DPD vs DHL? When it comes to choosing a courier service, two names stand out: DPD and DHL. Both are top contenders in the shipping world, offering a variety of services to suit different needs. But which one should you choose? Let’s dive into the specifics of what DPD and DHL offer, including services, pricing, delivery times, and customer satisfaction. By the end of this, you'll have a better idea of which courier best fits your needs.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
DPD (Dynamic Parcel Distribution) is a go-to for reliable parcel delivery across Europe and beyond. Here’s what they offer:
DPD Classic: Standard parcel delivery across Europe with tracking and predictable delivery times.
DPD Express: Fast, time-critical deliveries with guaranteed delivery times.
DPD Predict: Allows recipients to track parcels in real-time and provides a one-hour delivery window.
DHL is a global logistics powerhouse with a range of services from parcel delivery to complex supply chain solutions. Here’s what you get:
DHL Express: International express deliveries with time-definite options. Take the time to understand the differences between DHL vs DHL Express.
DHL Parcel: Domestic and international parcel delivery with tracking.
DHL eCommerce: Tailored solutions for e-commerce businesses, including fulfilment and delivery.
DHL Freight: Overland transport solutions for large and heavy shipments.
Pricing is a big deal when choosing a courier. Both DPD and DHL have competitive rates, but the cost can vary depending on the service and destination.
DPD ^pricing tends to be more budget-friendly for domestic and European deliveries. They offer a straightforward pricing model that makes it easy to calculate shipping costs. Plus, high-volume shippers can snag some great discounts.
DHL pricing, while generally pricier, offers a broader range of services, especially for international shipping. Their pricing includes various surcharges, like fuel and remote area surcharges, which can add up. However, DHL’s extensive global network and speedy delivery times often justify the higher costs.
Delivery times both at DPD and DHL are known for their reliable schedule, but there are differences depending on the service you choose.
Domestic: 1-2 business days
Europe: 2-5 business days for standard deliveries, 1-2 days for express services
International: Delivery times vary based on the destination and service level
Domestic: Same-day or next-day delivery options
Europe: 1-3 business days for express services, 3-5 days for standard deliveries
International: Some of the fastest international delivery times, often within 1-3 business days for express services, depending on the destination.
Customer satisfaction can make or break your choice of courier.
DPD generally gets a thumbs up for its reliable and predictable delivery services. Their Predict service, which offers real-time tracking and a one-hour delivery window, is a hit with customers. However, some users have had issues with customer service and complaint handling. With ParcelParcel’s customer service, you don't have to worry about it. We have real agents ready to assist you with no waiting lines and no chatbots.
DHL is often lauded for its fast and efficient service, especially for international shipments. Their vast global network ensures packages reach even the most remote locations. That said, some customers have grumbled about the higher costs and occasional tracking hiccups. However, with ParcelParcel, you don't have to worry about it. Our platform allows you to compare all fares so you get the best possible price when you decide on the transport partner. Take a look at our shipping cost calculator.
Want to see how DPD and DHL stack up against other major couriers? Check out our Carriers Comparison Page for insights on other key players like UPS vs FedEx.
Here’s the bottom line:
For Domestic and European Deliveries: DPD is generally more cost-effective and reliable.
For Fast International Deliveries: DHL’s extensive network and express services are your best bet.
For E-commerce Solutions: Both offer robust e-commerce services, but DHL’s broader range might be more suitable for businesses looking for comprehensive logistics solutions.
Want more insights and reviews? Check out these links:
Both DPD and DHL are excellent choices for courier services, each with its own strengths. DPD is ideal for cost-effective domestic and European deliveries, while DHL shines in fast international shipping and comprehensive e-commerce solutions. Understanding your specific needs and the unique offerings of each courier will help you make the best choice for your business. Choosing the right courier can significantly impact your business efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Get a 10% discount on your first order using the code PP10. ????
You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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